Reliant Transportation Group, formerly known as Minnesota Coaches, plans to acquire Safe-Way Bus and Safe-Way Wisconsin, the company announced on Nov. 10.

Reliant is one of the 20 largest private contractors in the U.S. Safe-Way is a family-owned student transportation and charter service operation in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and the three public school districts in Wisconsin.

Tom Stiles, who has owned and operated Safe-Way for nearly 35 years, will stay on as part of the Safe-Way team; his sister Jane Stiles, co-president and secretary, will remain in her role for a short period to ensure a smooth transition before retiring.

“Since my parents founded Safe-Way in 1970, it has grown from eight buses to a fleet of 160 vehicles,” said Tom Stiles. “As we looked to build a strong future for Safe-Way that also protects our family’s legacy, there was no question that Reliant Transportation Group would be the right choice.”

“In more ways than one, Reliant is already family to us,” said Jane Stiles. “In fact, we’re related to Pat Regan, one of Reliant’s owners and board members, and his son Garrett, a fellow owner who is part of the executive leadership team at Reliant today. Our family has deep roots in student transportation, with multiple branches starting bus companies in their communities over the years. There is no home for Safe-Way that I would trust more, and I know it will continue to flourish as it begins this next chapter.”

 The company said there will be no interruption to service or change to routes served, and the Safe-Way brand will remain on the side of the company’s vehicles. Local drivers, mechanics, and other staff will continue to operate out of their established service centers in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, as well as Somerset, Balsam Lake and Hudson, Wisconsin.